Design of a Functionally Graded Structure to Improve Energy Absorption Using the Schwarz P Minimal Surface

Abstract

Designing and modeling materials using gradient structures can produce significant results and provide a variety of properties. These structures will also lead to the optimal use of raw materials. In this research, based on the use of minimal surfaces, a method for designing a gradient structure in order to optimally absorb energy is presented. For this purpose, first the gradient structure is created with a volume fraction equal to 56% of the solid part and by changing the dimensions linearly. Then a structure with the same volume fraction and the same general dimensions, but with a uniform structure is designed and modeled. For each of the two structures, 125 unit cells are used, which are created by modeling the minimal surface of Schwarz P and using the multisided patch. In the second step, by transferring the model to Abacus software, the ability to absorb energy when a rigid object collides with these two structures is compared. The overall trend of the results shows that the designed gradient structure will absorb energy more smoothly and in a wider range and to a greater extent that can be used in the optimal design of shock absorbers.